Let's talk with Reternity about A Test Of Shadows (2020)

Sometimes there are these albums out there that go deep into your mind. You can feel that they touch something inside of you. It has been like this for me with Reternity's "A Test Of Shadows" that comes out on September 25th 2020 via MDD/Black Sunset.

While the sound is heavy but also uplifting it has also been the lyrics talking about demons and our battles against them that found my interest. Check out the interview with Stefan Zörner, vocalist of the band. He gave us a little look behind the scenes of the upcoming album.

Get into the mood with the title track of the album first.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Were you influenced more from classic thrash sounds this time?

Hey, nice to meet ya! Uhhh, hard to say… I think, „A Test of Shadows“ is the consistent successor to „Demon“. Maybe a litte bit more uniform and with more catchy moments. More Thrash, more Rock and more hooks to remind, haha!

You and Carsten Sauter recorded the music in the studio on the new album. Do you think that you know best how things should sound like or how came it all together?

Indeed it´s our baby. Carsten and my humble self started RETERNITY and we are the core of this band. No dictators but… musical directors. On the other hand we know about the importance of new blood, critical thoughts and we love to create new music together with our bandmates!

Sometimes the sound is a bit demo-like. Do you want to pay tribute to the days of demo cassette tapes this way?

I wouldn´t say „demo-like“. I prefer the description „typical Reternity“. We are looking for a unique sound and the new album is a big step into that direction. We are very happy with the result. I think too many albums sound similar these days. We are trying to be different.

The cover of "A Test Of Shadows" reminds of a scene in a boxing ring. How would you describe one round in the fight that takes place?

The covergirl is the same lady as on „Facing the Demon“. You can say it is a journey. You have to fight the inner demons and this is the final battle. Stand your ground, don´t fear to fall! Do your best – it will be enough! 

As for fighting against demons: do you think women have to deal more often with them?

No. I think every human being has to deal with inner demons, regrets, nightmares and doubt! We fear to loose the ones we love or never to find love. We fear so much and forget to live. What a pitty!

The lyrics left a gloomy impression on me also sometimes hope shines through. Do you write them up in specific situations or do they evolve over time?

As mentioned, there is a conception. It is called „Diaries of the Mind“ and divided into three acts. So there will be another album, haha! Ok, most of the lyrics are very personal and thoughtful. But there is hope, there is peace and there is a life in light after the darkness! So never stop to think positive, boy!

Do you think people may listen to your songs and find help in them?
Puh. I really don´t know. I just want to write meaningful lyrics. I won´t preach and I don´t know, what is „wrong“ or „good“. But it is a very nice thought… I just want to give some hope and maybe a smile. And don´t forget to bang your heads out there! It´s about METAL music, that´s all!

Make sure to pre-order the album via MDD Records or at Amazon. You may also follow Reternity on Facebook.

Reternity bandshot done by Oliver Laube Photography.

CD Review: Reternity - Demo 2018 (Metal, 2018)

Big refrains that invite to scream along to at the first listen already. Direct riffs and extended solos - all this can be found on Reternity's first two track offer.

The coverartwork was created by T. Bernhardt

It's not so often that demos come to knock on my door. In fact this one was created by people that readers of this blog may have heard of already. The vocals were done by Stefan Zoerner who left SpiteFuel earlier this year. On his side his longtime companion bass guitar player Finn Janetzky who was also active in Strangelet and SpiteFuel. Plus the addition of Carsten Sauter on guitars and Carmine Jaucci on the drums round out the new band.

So what's on the disc? "Down.Not.Broken" comes out straight as a compact riffrocker with it's bold opening section and the bass going all on it. I can already see the hands going up in the concerts to this. The refrain is formed as a fighting outcall pushing through a longer set of text lines saying that rumors may see you all at the end while in fact you're just a bit tired and going through a time of rebuilding. That's at least how it feels for me without having read the lyrics.

The second tune "Suicide Butterflies" goes in a similar way with a short intro. Afterwards it explodes into a even more direct and uptempo song. It feels like a rush of feelings was in need of finding redemption. This time the refrain is bigger and sung of a huge chorus. It sticks in my mind. I'm sure readers of this blog will love this number, too. The guitars take a bigger and rougher place in here with it's extended solo sections. The overall structure is slightly complexer and outworked compared to Down.Not.Broken.

The two track disc will be up for purchase via MDD Records soon. Back in the day demos were also sold so I think it's allright to ask for a somthing in return. The sound is solid. Just listen to the snippets in the trailer.

Finally taking a look at Reternity's Facebook page and Instagram account work perfect to keep a eye on future updates and to be notified when the demo single is up for purchase.